How to sign “Child” in ASL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the American sign. See the BSL sign for “Child” instead
Step by step
- Hold your dominant hand open with your palm facing down at chest height.
- Pat downward once in the air, as if patting the head of a small child.
- Shift your hand a few inches to the side and pat downward once more for a second child.
- Keep your palm facing down through both pats and keep the motion light.
- Use a warm, gentle expression — you are indicating small children, not scolding them.
Practice tip
Two quick pats for two imaginary children; the two-handed version is more formal, for stage or presentations.
Fingerspell “Child”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.